El Mencho was killed in a gang shootout in Mexico with security authorities

US Provided intelligence support For a Mexican operation that resulted in the murder of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, who was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Cervantes was killed in an exchange of fire with Mexican forces inside his home while they were trying to carry out an operation to arrest him.

The cartel responded to the death of its leader with violence across Mexico, setting up roadblocks and setting vehicles on fire throughout the day Sunday. Mexican authorities said they had removed most of the roadblocks by late Sunday.

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, was almost completely locked down on Sunday with frightened residents staying indoors.

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A soldier stands guard over a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Quintezio, Michoacán state, Mexico, Sunday, February 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

Passengers arriving The city’s international airport On Sunday night, it was said to be operating with a limited number of people due to the outbreak of violence.

American Ambassador Ron Johnson He acknowledged the success and sacrifices of the Mexican Armed Forces in a statement issued late Sunday. “Under the leadership of President Trump and President Sheinbaum, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels,” he added.

The War Ministry said that Cervantes, who was wounded during an arrest operation Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, died while being airlifted to Mexico City.

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Smoke billows into the sky over Puerto Vallarta during an operation targeting cartel activity on February 22, 2026. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)

During the operation, the forces came under fire and killed four people at the site. The statement added that three other people, including Cervantes, were injured and died later.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt He confirmed to X that the US government provided intelligence support for the operation.

“El Mencho has been a major target of the Mexican government and the United States as a major smuggler of fentanyl into our homeland,” she wrote.

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The US State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations in Mexico and began operating around 2009.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.